The early bird catches the worm. The advice in a recent e-book and the morning lifestyles of
some Ohioans seemingly prove the adage.

Mornings provide the opportunity to tackle priorities that might be crowded out by life,
according to time-management expert Laura Vanderkam, author of
What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast.

In her book, Vanderkam addresses vital routines such as workouts, family time and creative
work.

Her short guide, published this summer, combines scientific research with her life experiences
and those of successful people.

Among those to whom she spoke: Steve Reinemund, a former CEO of PepsiCo who says he runs 4 miles
a day at 5 a.m. — and has done so daily as an adult.

“So, whatever crisis has come up, he has already done his 4 miles for the day,” she said. To get
the most out of mornings, Vanderkam said in a recent phone interview, a person should go to bed
early enough to wake up early.

“This isn’t about sleep deprivation,” she said. “And don’t hit ‘snooze.’ Never hit the snooze
button!” The morning routines of some successful central Ohioans — a hospital CEO, a university
president, a museum curator and others — seem especially productive.